Space Brief 18 Dec 2024
Today's highlights include SpaceX's rapid response GPS launch, Raytheon's new rocket motor test, and Starlink's revenue surge. Plus, the Space Force's modernization push.
StriX-2 (62406)
COSPAR: 2024-248A | Alt Name: StriX-2
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 21, 2024
Launch Site
Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B, Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand
Launch Pad
LC1B
Launch Vehicle
Electron
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
62406
International Designator
2024-248A
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 19:53:44 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
97.63°
Right Ascension
156.29°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
218.41°
Period
95.41 min
Mean Motion
15.09 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
StriX-2
Alternative Name
StriX-2
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
Synspective Inc.
Country
JP
Constellation
StriX
Related Satellites
Major Events
Successfully launched on December 21, 2024, and deployed its 5-meter-long antenna in orbit.
Latest TLEs
1 62406U 24248A 26200.82898888 .00003198 00000+0 20478-3 0 9991
2 62406 97.6301 156.2893 0014072 218.4144 141.6084 15.09216811 86516
Source: Celestrak
Summary
StriX-2 is a Small SAR Satellite manufactured by Synspective Inc., designed for Earth observation using X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. Launched on December 21, 2024, from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1B in New Zealand, the StriX-2 weighs approximately 100 kg and has dimensions of 0.8 meters in length and diameter with a deployable antenna span of 5 meters. It is equipped with solar cells for power generation to support its high-output SAR instrument operating at 9.65 GHz (X-band) in Stripmap and Sliding Spotlight modes, providing high-resolution imagery for applications like disaster monitoring and infrastructure management. The satellite uses three-axis stabilization for precise orientation control and has a mission lifetime of approximately five years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.8
Diameter
0.8
Span
5
Dry Mass
100
Launch Mass
100
Shape
Rectangular with deployable antenna
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Estimated at 6.5 based on satellite dimensions and reflectivity.
Color
Metallic with black solar panels
Material Composition
Aluminum and composite materials
Technical Details
Payload
StriX-2 SAR Instrument
Purpose
To enhance Earth observation capabilities by providing high-resolution SAR imagery, contributing to areas such as disaster response, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.
Mission
Earth observation using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to provide high-resolution imagery for various applications, including disaster monitoring and infrastructure management.
Manufacturer
Synspective Inc.
Life Expectancy
Approximately 5 years
Bus
StriX
Configuration
Small SAR Satellite
Motor
Unknown
Equipment
X-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with a center frequency of 9.65 GHz, capable of operating in Stripmap and Sliding Spotlight modes.
Power System
Equipped with multiple solar cells and a high-capacity battery to support the high-output 1kW amplifier required for SAR operations.
ADCS
Three-axis stabilization
Transmitter Frequency
9.65 GHz (X-band)
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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